Closure and Lid and Method of Forming Closure and Lid

ABSTRACT

An example lid assembly can include a lid and a slider. The lid can include a wall defining a recess. The slider can be configured to slide in the recess and can be configured to move between a closed position where the slider covers the opening to aid in preventing spilling of contents of the container and an opened position where the slider uncovers the opening such that the contents of the container can be consumed. The slider can be configured to be removable from the lid and can be replaced back on the lid. Additionally, the slider can be configured to lock into place on the recess in both the closed position and the opened position.

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/288,175filed Oct. 7, 2016, now allowed, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/971,779 filed on Dec. 16, 2015 and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/971,788 filed onDec. 16, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,124,942, and both U.S. applicationSer. No. 14/971,779 and U.S. application Ser. No. 14/971,788 claimpriority to U.S. Application No. 62/248,996 filed on Oct. 30, 2015. Theabove applications are fully incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure herein relates broadly to lids for drinkware, andmore specifically to closeable lids for drinkware containers used fordrinkable beverages or foods.

BACKGROUND

Beverage containers can be filled with hot or cold drinkable liquids,such as water, coffee, tea, soft drink, or alcoholic beverage, such asbeer. These beverage containers can be made of a variety of materialssuch as stainless steel, glass, plastic, cardboard, or paper material.Lids may be provided on beverage containers to provide an opening forpouring out the contents of the beverage container. In certaininstances, it can be desired to selectively close and store thecontainer such that the contents of the container do not spill.

SUMMARY

This Summary provides an introduction to some general concepts relatingto this invention in a simplified form that are further described belowin the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identifykey features or essential features of the invention.

Aspects of the disclosure herein may relate to a closable lid assemblyfor drinkware. In one example, the lid assembly can include a movableslider, which may include a tab or handle. In certain examples, theslider can be configured to perform one or more of the following: (1)slide between a closed position and an opened position where the slidercovers an opening to aid in preventing spilling of contents of thecontainer and an opened position where the slider uncovers the openingsuch that the contents of the container can be consumed, (2) lock inplace in both the closed position and the opened position, (3) remainsecured to the lid during movement between the closed position and theopened position, or (4) to be removable from the lid so that the lid andslider can be cleaned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing Summary, as well as the following Detailed Description,will be better understood when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to the sameor similar elements in all of the various views in which that referencenumber appears.

FIG. 1A shows an isometric top view of an example lid assembly in theopened position.

FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of an example container for receiving anexample lid.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the example lid of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the example lid of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 shows an isometric bottom view of the example lid of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 shows an isometric top view of an example slider.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric front view of the example slider of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows an isometric side view of the example slider of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 shows an isometric bottom view of the example slider of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 shows an isometric top view of another example lid assembly.

FIG. 10 shows an isometric top view of the example lid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the example lid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 shows an isometric bottom view of the example lid of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 shows an isometric top view of another example slider.

FIG. 14 shows an isometric front view of the example slider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows an isometric side view of the example slider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 shows an isometric bottom view of the example slider of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of another example slider and lid.

FIG. 18 shows an alternate cross-sectional view of the example slider ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows a partial bottom view of the example slider of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 shows a top view of another example lid assembly.

FIG. 21 shows a bottom view of the example lid assembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the example lid assembly of FIG.20.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the example lidassembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 24 shows another schematic cross-sectional view of the example lidassembly of FIG. 20.

FIG. 25 shows a schematic view of another example lid.

FIG. 26A shows an exploded view of an example insulative disc.

FIG. 26B shows a side view of the example insulative disc of FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27 shows a bottom view of an exemplary slider.

FIG. 28 shows a partial side view of another exemplary slider.

FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary slider andlid.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the exemplary lid of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31A shows a bottom view of a partial assembly of an example slider.

FIG. 31B shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary method of formingthe slider of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32A shows an enlarged portion of a bottom view of a partiallyformed example lid.

FIG. 32A1 shows an enlarged portion of a bottom view of anotherpartially formed example lid.

FIGS. 32B and 32C show cross-sectional views of an exemplary method offorming the lid of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the various examples and components ofthis disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, whichform a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrationvarious example structures and environments in which aspects of thedisclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherstructures and environments may be utilized and that structural andfunctional modifications may be made from the specifically describedstructures and methods without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Also, while the terms “frontside,” “backside,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,”“side,” “forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in thisspecification to describe various example features and elements, theseterms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on theexample orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations intypical use. Nothing in this specification should be construed asrequiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation ofstructures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1A depicts an example lid assembly 100. The lid assembly 100generally includes a lid 110 and a slider 150 that is configured to movebetween an opened position and a closed position to selectively open orclose an opening 112 for liquid. FIG. 1A depicts an isometric view ofthe example lid assembly 100 with the slider 150 in the opened positionon a container 105, and FIG. 1B depicts an isometric view of an examplecontainer 105 for receiving the lid 110. The lid 110 may also include aside wall 114, which can define a groove 116 for placement of a gasket(not shown), which provides a seal between the lid assembly 100 and thecontainer 105. However, as will be discussed below, other sealingmethods for sealing the lid 110 to the container 105 are alsocontemplated. The lid 110 may also include a rim 118 for engaging anopening 107 of the container 105. The rim 118 may also include a topwall 120 and an optional lid tab 122 extending from the top wall 120 toassist the user in removing the lid assembly 100 from the container 105.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of the lid 110 with the slider 150removed. As shown in FIG. 2, the lid 110 may also include a middle wall124 extending below the rim 118. The middle wall 124 can define a recess126 for receiving the slider 150, and, in particular, the recess 126 candefine a guide channel 127 for the slider 150 to move between the openposition and the closed position. As shown in FIG. 2, the opening 112for drinking or pouring liquid out of the container can also be formedin the recess 126. The recess 126 can also include a central opening 128for placement of the slider 150.

In addition, the recess 126 can include one or more openings 130 forreceiving corresponding detents on the slider 150. This allows theslider 150 to be selectively locked in either the opened position or theclosed position during use such that the slider 150 does notinadvertently move in the guide channel 127. The recess 126 of the lid110 can also be provided with a narrow channel 131 that is configured toallow the detents in the slider to travel along the guide channel 127from the closed to the open position of the slider. However, it is alsocontemplated that the slider 150 can be provided with openings, and thelid 110 can be provided with detents for placement into the openings ofthe slider 150. Additionally, the recess 126 of the lid 110 can includeone or more air vents 132 a, 132 b that provide for the escape of airduring pouring of the liquid from the container. As will be discussed infurther detail below, a first air vent 132 a and a second air vent 132 bcan be selectively opened by the slider 150 depending on the sliderposition with respect to the lid 110.

As can be seen in FIG. 3, which is a cross-sectional view of the lid110, the middle wall 124 can extend at an angle with respect to the topwall 120 and the side wall 114. This allows for the opening 112 forpouring liquid out of the container to be located below a certain heightof the rim 118.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective bottom view of the lid 110 again with theslider 150 removed. A first guide 134 a and a second guide 134 b extendbelow a plane defined by a bottom surface 136 of the guide channel 127and a plane defined by the middle wall 124. Additionally, the firstguide 134 a and the second guide 134 b can extend below the bottomsurface of 136 the guide channel 127 and can be located adjacent to thecentral opening 128. The first guide 134 a and the second guide 134 bcan extend parallel to each other and can be formed elongated to extendalong the entire length of the central opening 128. As will be discussedin further detail below, the first guide 134 a and the second guide 134b are configured to guide the slider 150 from an opened position to aclosed position.

It is also contemplated that the guides 134 a, 134 b may includechannels or grooves for receiving corresponding projections on theslider or could be replaced entirely with channels or grooves forreceiving a corresponding projection on the slider. Moreover, thecentral opening could also be replaced with channels or grooves that actas a track for the slider. In other examples, the central opening couldbe formed as a singular narrow opening for receiving a single leg orprojection of the slider or the central opening could be arranged as twoseparate elongated openings with a central portion of the lid acting asa monorail-type track for the slider to move from the opened position tothe closed position. In yet another example, the guide channel could beformed helical to require a twisting action to move the slider from theopened position to a closed position.

FIGS. 5-8 depict an example slider 150, which as discussed herein, isconfigured to selectively cover or uncover the opening 112 to provide anopen position and a closed position of the lid assembly 100. The slider150 can generally include a cap 151, a tab or handle 152 which extendsfrom the cap, an elastic first leg 154 a, an elastic second leg 154 b,and a central post 156. As shown in FIGS. 5-8, the slider 150 can beprovided with two degrees of symmetry, which allows for the slider 150to be placed in two different orientations in the lid 110. Thiseliminates user error in installing the slider 150 onto the lid 110.

The cap 151 can include two symmetrical flanges 151 a, 151 b, which areboth configured to selectively cover and seal the opening 112 forpouring liquid out of the container and the central opening 128 in theguide channel 127. The tab or the handle 152 is configured for the userto grasp to selectively move the slider 150 into an opened position touncover the opening 112 on the lid 110 or closed position to cover theopening 112 on the lid 110. The tab or handle 152 may include twoinwardly tapered portions 153 a, 153 b for grasping purposes.

FIG. 6, which is a front perspective view of the slider 150, illustratesthe elastic first leg 154 a and the elastic second leg 154 b, which areeach configured to flex inwardly to engage the sides of the centralopening 128 and ultimately to engage the first guide 134 a and thesecond guide 134 b to secure the slider 150 into place on the lid 110.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the elastic first leg 154 a and the elasticsecond leg 154 b are formed with proximal ends 155 a, 155 b and distalends 157 a, 157 b. The proximal ends 155 a, 155 b are formed of athinner profile and cross section than the distal ends 157 a, 157 b.This provides the first elastic leg 154 a and the second elastic leg 154b with the required flexibility to allow the user to insert the slider150 into the central opening 128 in the lid 110.

Additionally, the intersections of the distal ends 157 a, 157 b and theproximal ends 155 a, 155 b form ridges or ledges 159 a, 159 b forreceiving the first guide 134 a and the second guide 134 b of the lid110 when the slider 150 is inserted into the central opening 128 of thelid 110. The interaction of the ledges 159 a, 159 b of the first andsecond legs 154 a, 154 b and the first and second guides 134 a, 134 b ofthe lid 110 helps to maintain the slider 150 in the guide channel 127.Moreover, the interaction between the cap 151 and the guide channel 127and the engagement of the first and second legs 154 a, 154 b with thefirst and second guides 134 a, 134 b of the lid 110 helps to maintainthe slider 150 on the lid 110.

As shown in FIG. 6, both the elastic first leg 154 a and the elasticsecond leg 154 b have inwardly tapered portions 162 a, 162 b tofacilitate the ability of the user to insert the slider 150 into thecentral opening 128 of the lid 110. The elastic first leg 154 a and theelastic second leg 154 b can also include curved internal portions 161a, 161 b that are configured to interact with the tapered profile of thecentral post 156. The distal ends 157 a, 157 b are provided with alarger surface area so that the user can easily grasp the distal ends157 a, 157 b and move the first elastic leg 154 a and the second elasticleg 154 b inwardly. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the distal end 157 acan include a tactile groove 170. Likewise, although not shown, thedistal end 157 b can include a tactile groove. The tactile groovesprovide a location for the user to grasp when squeezing the elasticfirst leg 154 a, and the elastic second leg 154 b inwardly to remove theslider 150 from the central opening 128.

Additionally, FIG. 6 shows the central post 156 located on the bottom ofthe slider 150, which limits the amount that the elastic first leg 154 aand the elastic second leg 154 b are permitted to move inwardly duringthe removal of the slider 150 from the lid assembly 100. The centralpost 156 is aligned with the elastic first leg 154 a and the elasticsecond leg 154 b and prevents the user from inadvertently shearing orbreaking the elastic first leg 154 a and the elastic second leg 154 bfrom the slider 150 during the removal of the slider 150 from the lid110. As also shown in FIG. 6, the central post 156 is tapered anddiverges from a bottom surface of the slider 150, and the taperedprofile of the central post 156 limits the inward movement of theelastic first leg 154 a and the elastic second leg 154 b.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the slider 150 can include a first channel158 a and a second channel 158 b, which are configured to align with thefirst and second air vents 132 a, 132 b on the lid 110 when the slider150 is in the opened position. The first channel 158 a and the secondchannel 158 b are formed in a bottom surface of the slider 150 and canopen respectively into a first side wall 164 a and a second side wall164 b of the slider 150. However, it is also contemplated that thechannels could extend through the top of the slider. The first channel158 a is configured to align with the first air vent 132 a on the lid110, and the second channel 158 b is configured to align with the secondair vent 132 b on the lid 110 located in the guide channel 127 when theslider 150 is in the opened position. This allows for fluid contactbetween the contents of the container and the ambient air when theslider is in the open position. As shown in FIG. 5, which is a top viewof the slider 150, the air vents 132 a, 132 b are not visible to theuser from the top view.

FIG. 8 shows a bottom perspective view of the slider 150. As shown inFIG. 8, the bottom 166 of the slider 150 can be provided with multipleopenings 160 for receiving corresponding detents on the lid 110, whichallows for the slider 150 to lock in either the open position or theclosed position.

To operate the slider 150, the user can move the slider 150 from theopened position to the closed position by grasping the handle 152. Whenthe user moves the slider 150 from the closed position to the openedposition, the slider 150 moves along the guide channel 127 and thecentral opening 128 causing one of the flanges 151 a, 151 b of the cap151 to uncover the opening 112 of the lid 110. Likewise, when the usermoves the slider 150 from the opened position to the closed position,the slider 150 moves along the guide channel 127 and the central opening128 causing one of the flanges 151 a, 151 b of the cap 151 to cover theopening 112 of the lid 110 to seal the opening 112 and to help preventthe contents of the container from spilling from the container. Alsowhen the user moves the slider 150 between the open position and theclosed position, the detents engage the openings 160 in the bottom ofthe cap 151 of the slider 150 to secure the slider 150 in either theopen or closed position.

Additionally, the slider 150 can be selectively removed from the lid 110for cleaning purposes or if the user otherwise does not desire theslider 150 to be on the lid 110. To remove the slider 150 from the lid110, from the underside of the lid assembly 100, the user can grasp thefirst leg 154 a and the second leg 154 b on or near the tactile grooves170 and squeeze the first leg 154 a and the second leg 154 b inwardlytoward the central post 156 to cause the ledges 159 a, 159 b of thedistal ends 157 a, 157 b to become disengaged from the first guide 134 aand the second guide 134 b, thereby permitting removal of the slider 150from the central opening 128 of the lid 110. The central opening 128provides a wide opening to give the user the ability to thoroughly cleanthe lid 110 when the slider 150 is removed from the lid 110.

Moreover, to replace the slider 150 back onto the lid 110, whilegripping the cap 151 of the slider 150, the central post 156, theelastic first leg 154 a and the elastic second leg 154 b can be placedinto the central opening 128. When the inwardly tapered portions 162 a,162 b of the elastic first leg 154 a and the elastic second leg 154 bengage the central opening 128, the elastic first leg 154 a and theelastic second leg 154 b flex inwardly such that the distal ends 157 a,157 b each move past the first guide 134 a and the second guide 134 b tocause the ledges 159 a, 159 b to engage the bottom surfaces of the firstguide 134 a and the second guide 134 b. The elastic nature of the firstleg 154 a and the second leg 154 b maintains the engagement of theledges 159 a, 159 b of the first and second legs 154 a, 154 b with thefirst and second guides 134 a, 134 b, thus maintaining the slider 150 inposition on the lid 110. Because the slider 150 is symmetrical, theslider 150 can be placed in two different orientations on the lid.

FIGS. 9-16 depict another exemplary lid assembly 200, in which likereference numerals refer to the same or similar elements as in theexample lid assembly 100 discussed above. The example lid assembly 200includes similar features that have similar functionality as discussedabove in relation to the example lid assembly 100 in FIGS. 1A-8.However, in this example, additional guides 233 a, 233 b can be providedin the central opening 228 of the guide channel 227 and divide theopening 228 into three separate openings 228 a, 228 b, 228 c.Additionally, the first elastic leg 254 a and the second elastic leg 254b can be formed with less material.

The guides 233 a, 233 b provide additional support for the movement ofthe slider 250 when the slider 250 is moved between the opened positionand the closed position. The additional guides 233 a, 233 b also providefor accurate placement of the first elastic leg 254 a, the secondelastic leg 254 b, and the central post 256 into the separate openings228 a, 228 b, 228 c. Moreover, referring to FIG. 14, the central post256 can be provided with a widened proximal end 256 a, which can besized to fit between the additional guides 233 a, 233 b and can beguided by the additional guides 233 a, 233 b to provide the slider withadditional support when the slider is moved between the opened andclosed positions. In another example, the proximal end 256 a and theadditional guides 233 a, 233 b can be sized to provide and interferencefit such that the slider can be locked in any position along the guidechannel 227 such as the opened position or the closed position. Becauseof the additional guides 233 a, 233 b, less material can be used to formthe first elastic leg 254 a and the second elastic leg 254 b.

FIGS. 17-19 show another exemplary slider 350, where like referencenumerals show like components with similar functionality. This exampleslider 350 is similar to the example sliders discussed herein. However,in this example, the slider 350 can be provided with detents 360 insteadof openings on the bottom surface. The detents 360 can be received inslots located in the lid for securing the slider in place in either theopen or closed position on the lid. Additionally, the slider 350 caninclude one or more protuberances 363 which also assist in maintainingthe slider 350 in place along the channel located in the lid 310.Additionally, as shown in FIG. 19, a removed section 356 a can beincluded on the central post to reduce sink marks on the top exposedsurface of the slider 350 due to part thicknesses.

FIGS. 20-24 show another alternative example slider lid assembly 400.This example is similar to the above examples discussed herein wherelike reference numerals represent similar features with similarfunctionality. However, in this example, the lid 410 and slider 450 canbe provided with one or more magnets. The magnets can provide one ormore of (1) maintaining the slider 450 onto the lid 410, (2) maintainingthe slider 450 in either the open or closed positions during the use ofthe slider 450, and (3) limiting the movement of the slider 450 on thelid 410. The lid assembly 400 can be provided with a slider 450 foropening and closing the lid 410 like in the above examples.Additionally, the lid 410 can be provided with an internal magnetassembly 403 for interacting with one or more internal magnets in theslider 450. As shown in FIG. 22, which is a cross sectional side view ofthe slider lid assembly 400, the slider lid assembly 400 has a smallerprofile than the examples discussed in relation to FIGS. 1-20. Also aswill be discussed in further detail below, the lid 410 can be formed ina three-shot injection molding process to help in insulating the lid 410and to secure the magnet assembly 403 in place on the lid 410. Thistechnique may also be applied to the other example lid assembliesdiscussed herein.

In maintaining the slider 450 onto the lid 410, one or more magnets canbe provided in each of the slider 450 and the lid 410 to achieve theproper clamping force to maintain the slider 450 onto the lid 410. Inparticular, as shown schematically in FIG. 23, a first clamping magnet472 can be provided within the slider 450 and a second clamping magnet474 can be provided within the lid 410. The length of the secondclamping magnet 474 can be selected such that the second clamping magnet474 interacts with the first clamping magnet 472 during the entirelength of travel of the slider 450 from the opened position to theclosed position. Moreover, the second clamping magnet 474 in the lid canbe longer than the first clamping magnet 472 in the slider, so in eitherorientation, the second clamping magnet is underneath the first clampingmagnet 472 whether open or closed. In one example, the magnets 472 and474 can be polarized through the thicknesses of the magnets as opposedto the length such that the overwhelming attraction/repulsion forces arebased upon the large parallel slider/lid magnet surfaces.

The interaction between the first clamping magnet 472 in the slider 450and the second clamping magnet 474 in the lid 410 helps to maintain theslider 450 on the lid 410 during the operation of the slider 450. Thechannel 427 in conjunction with the slider 450 can help to limit thetravel of the slider 450 on the lid 410 in the lateral direction or thex-direction. In one example, the clamp force can be sufficient towithstand force from the pressure of a filled container being turnedupside down. In this way, the slider 450 will remain in the closedposition while the pressure from the liquid acts on the flange 451 a orthe flange 451 b through the opening of the lid. In one specificexample, the force produced by the first clamping magnet 472 and thesecond clamping magnet 474 can be at or between 0.25 to 2.0 lbs.

Moreover, as shown schematically in FIG. 24, to maintain the slider 450in either the open or closed positions, another series of magnets can beprovided in the slider 450 and the lid 410. Specifically, a firstpositioning magnet 476A and a second positioning magnet 476B can beprovided in the slider 450. Likewise, a third positioning magnet 478Aand a fourth positioning magnet 478B can be provided within the lid 410.As shown in FIG. 24, the first positioning magnet 476A is aligned withthe fourth positioning magnet 478B to selectively maintain the slider450 in the open position where the slider 450 is held out of the way ofthe opening 412 in the lid 410. Likewise, the first positioning magnet476A can be aligned with the third positioning magnet 478A toselectively lock the slider 450 in a closed position. The secondpositioning magnet 476B of the slider 450 is not being used in thisparticular example and is included in the slider 450 to provide areversible and symmetrical slider 450 such that the slider 450 can bepositioned in the channel 427 in either orientation. Additionally, whenthe first positioning magnet 476A and the second positioning magnet 476Bcome into close proximity and interact with the third positioning magnet478A or the fourth positioning magnet 478B the slider 450 can “snap”open or closed to provide a noticeable sound indicating to the user thatthe slider 450 is in either the open or closed position. Additionally incertain examples, the force required to open or close the slider can besufficient to keep the slider locked during normal operating conditionsof the container. The force required to open or close the slider 450 canbe in certain instances 0.25 to 3 lbs.

Various techniques for including the magnets in the lid 410 and theslider 450 are contemplated. For example, the each magnet can beovermolded in the slider 450 and then magnetized afterward. In thisexample, each magnet can be placed into the lid 410 or the slider andthen the lid 410 or the slider 450 can be injection molded or otherwiseformed of a polymer material over each magnet. In other examples themagnets can be assembled to the slider 450 or lid 410 with ultrasonicwelds or can be attached using cover plates on the lid 410 or the slider450.

To form the lid, in one implementation, the lid 410 may be formed usinga three or four shot molding process, where the lid body 410A may beinjection molded with a first shot of polymer material. A first plateportion 410B may be injection molded with a second shot of polymermaterial, and a second plate portion 410C may be injection molded with athird shot of material. In this example, the second plate portion 410Ccan include a magnet assembly which can include all or some of the lidmagnets as discussed herein. The magnet assembly can be in-molded intothe second plate portion 410C with the third shot of material. Also aseal portion 410D which can be formed of a fourth shot of material canprovide a seal or seam between the first plate portion 410B and thesecond plate portion 410C. Moreover, the seal portion 410D can alsoprovide a seal or seam between the first plate portion 410B and the lidbody 410A. Additionally, one or more air pockets 402 can be trappedbetween the lid body 410A and both the first plate portion 410B and thesecond plate portion 410C to increase the insulative properties for thelid 410. To form the air pocket 402, the second plate portion 410C mayalso include a raised section around the perimeter (or just in one ortwo locations) that extends downward into an opening and presses againstthe magnet assembly 403 holding it in place. Alternatively, a sealportion 410D can hold the magnet assembly 403 in place by applying asecond seal portion to over the magnet assembly. Additionally the sealportion 410D could overmold the magnet assembly 403. This can help toaccommodate dimensional tolerances of the magnet assembly 403 (thinneror thicker magnet assembly).

As shown in FIG. 22, the lid body 410A, the second plate portion portion410C, and the seal portion 410D each define the air vents 432 a, 432 bfor the lid. In one example, the air vents 432 a, 432 b can be formed bybosses or pins in the injection mold or by blow molding. The air vents432 a, 432 b are selectively opened and closed by the slider 450 inaccordance with the other examples discussed herein. In an alternativeembodiment, an optional channel 411 can be provided between the firstplate portion 410B and the second plate portion 410C to combine thesecond and third shots of polymer material such that the first plateportion 410B and the second plate portion 410C can be formed together toreduce the number of shots of material and to simplify the injectionmolding process.

This four or three shot injection molding process may utilize differentpolymer materials (one for each of the lid body 410A, the first plateportion 410B, the second plate portion 410C, and the seal portion 410D).In another example, the four or three shot injection molding process mayutilize the same polymer material for the lid body 410A, the first plateportion 410B, the second plate portion 410C, and a different polymermaterial for the seal portion 410C. In yet another example, the four orthree shot injection molding process may utilize the same polymermaterial for each of the lid body 410A, the first plate portion 410B,the second plate portion 410C, and the seal portion 410D.

In other implementations, the lid 410 may be formed using additional oralternative processes. For example, the lid body 410A may be coupled tothe first plate portion 410B and the second plate portion 410C by analternative coupling process, such as, among others, spin welding,gluing, ultrasonic welding, an interference fit, a threaded coupling, oruse of one or more fasteners (such as rivets, screws or bolts) orcombinations thereof. It is also contemplated that the entire lid 410can be formed by a single injection molding process, while in-moldingthe magnets. It is contemplated that any of the lids discussed hereincan be formed by a four or three shot injection mold technique.Moreover, similar techniques could also be used in forming the slidersdiscussed herein.

In various implementations, the lids and sliders discussed herein may beformed of a single, or multiple polymer materials, including, amongothers, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, polypropylene, polyethylene,polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, polycarbonate or acrylic, orcombinations thereof.

The slider 450 can operate in a similar fashion as the examplesdiscussed above. The user can move the slider 450 from the openedposition to the closed position by grasping the handle 452. When theuser moves the slider 450 from the closed position to the openedposition, the slider 450 moves along the guide channel 427 causing oneof the flanges 451 a, 451 b of the cap 451 to uncover the opening 412 ofthe lid 410. Likewise, when the user moves the slider 450 from theopened position to the closed position, the slider 450 moves along theguide channel 427 causing one of the flanges 451 a, 451 b of the cap 451to cover the opening 412 of the lid 410 to seal the opening 412 and tohelp prevent the contents of the container from spilling from thecontainer. Also when the user moves the slider 450 between the openposition and the closed position, the first positioning magnet 476A orthe second positioning magnet 476B in the slider 450 interact with thethird positioning magnet 478A or the fourth positioning magnet 478B inthe bottom of the cap 451 of the slider 450 to secure the slider 450 ineither the open or closed position. Additionally, when the user movesthe slider 450 to either the opened position or the closed position theinteraction of the slider 450 and the lid 410 produces a soundindicating to the user that the slider 450 is in either the openposition or the closed position.

Additionally, like in the above examples, the slider 450 can beselectively removed from the lid 410 for cleaning purposes or if theuser otherwise does not desire the slider 450 to be on the lid 410. Toremove the slider 450 from the lid 410, the user can simply pull ortwist the slider 450 off of the lid 410 by exceeding the clamping forceprovided by the attraction of the first clamping magnet 472 in theslider 450 and the second clamping magnet 474 in the lid 410. Likewise,to replace the slider 450 back onto the lid 410, the user simply placesthe slider 450 back into the channel 427 such that the first clampingmagnet 472 of the slider 450 is attracted to the second clamping magnet474 in the lid 410. Because the slider 450 is symmetrical, the slider450 can be placed in two different orientations on the lid.

FIG. 25 shows another example, where the slider guiding magnets 582A,582B can be provided within the lid 510 to maintain the slider on thelid in the x-direction or the lateral direction. The slider guidingmagnets 582A, 582B can be used in place of the channel 427 and act asguides or guide rails for the slider on the lid 510. The slider may alsobe provided with corresponding guide magnets (not shown), which can bepositioned within the slider or overmolded into the slider and locatedon each of the outer edges of the slider. The interaction of the sliderguiding magnets 582A, 582B with the guide magnets located within theslider help to maintain the slider in position on the lid 510. In thisexample, four slider guiding magnets 582A, 582B are depicted, however,any number of slider guiding magnets can be used depending on theguiding forces required on the slider.

In addition, a limiting magnet 584 can be molded into the lid 510 whichmay either repel or attract the slider such that it is locked in theopen position and cannot move beyond the locked position on the lid 510.In this example, corresponding limiting magnets can be positioned ateach end of the slider. The polarity of corresponding limiting magnetscan be oppositely aligned with the limiting magnet 584 such that one ofthe limiting magnets is attracted to the limiting magnet 584 or can besimilarly aligned such that one of the limiting magnets repels againstthe limiting magnet 584. In this way, the slider can be limited frommoving past the opened position on the lid 510 toward the lid tab 522.In this example, the slider can be removed from the lid 510 in a similarfashion as discussed above in relation to the examples in FIGS. 20-24.However, the slider may also be twisted or pivoted to remove the sliderout of alignment with the clamping, positioning and guide magnets andthen removed from the lid 510.

In forming the lid and slider, the magnets can be magnetized before orafter being molded into the slider and or lid. It is also contemplatedthat permanent magnets, ferromagnetic materials, and/or metal stripscould be used in either the lid or the slider. For example, one or morepermanent magnets, metal strips, or ferromagnetic materials could beplaced in the slider or the lid to control the slider magnetically onthe lid. In certain instances, this may reduce the manufacturing costsin not having to magnetize the lid or the slider.

In another implementation a first permanent magnet can be separated froma second permanent magnet by a metal strip in the lid in such a way thata high magnetic attraction occurs at both ends of the lid as the slidersnaps open and closed. In this example, however a metal (non-magnetic)pathway will occur in between the ends of the lid. In other examples,the lid and/or the slider may be formed of a plastic having a magneticpowder additive. The magnetic powder additive can be included in theinjection molding process and may include ferrite, neodymium-iron-boron(NdFeB), and samarium cobalt (SmCo). The magnetic powder additive canprovide for similar lid securing and locking functions as discussedherein such as providing for maintaining the slider onto the lid,maintaining the slider in either the open or closed positions during theuse of the slider, and limiting the movement of the slider on the lid.

Another example may include the use of polymagnets, where a singularmagnet is magnetized with a matrix of regions where the poles mayalternate or stay the same to create different regions of magnetizationand force that is applied to the lid. With the use of polymagnets it ispossible to reduce the number of magnets in only having one magnet inthe lid or slider to provide for maintaining the slider onto the lid,maintaining the slider in either the open or closed positions during theuse of the slider, and limiting the movement of the slider on the lid.

In another example, an insulated disc 590, as shown in FIGS. 26A and26B, can be included within the lid to help insulate the lid. Theexemplary disc 590 may be placed within any of the lids discussedherein. FIG. 26A depicts an example assembly method for the disc 590,and FIG. 26B shows the example disc 590 in an inverted position for thevacuumization process. In one example, the disc 590 can be vacuum formedfor insulating any of the lids discussed herein. The disc 590 can beformed by welding a first cap 590A and a second cap 590B together atwelds 592. The disc 590 can be formed of a stainless steel or titanium,for example. The first cap 590A can be formed with a dimple or divot 594for forming the vacuum within the disc 590, which is discussed below. Inthis example, the dimple or divot 594 can be placed onto the first cap590A at an off-centered position, which may provide for the positioningof a logo if desired. Additionally, optionally, in this example, one ormore magnets 593 can be placed into the second cap 590B to control theslider as discussed herein. The magnets 593 can include one or more ofclamping, positioning and guide magnets as discussed above. Once thedisc 590 is formed, it can be placed into a lid to improve theinsulative properties of the lid.

To achieve a vacuum between the walls of the disc, the air within thedisc can be removed by heating the disc 590 within a vacuum and removingthe air within the interior of the disc 590 through an opening in thedivot or dimple 594 located on the upper cylindrical piece or cap 590A.Specifically, the disc 590 once formed with the first cap 590A and thesecond cap 590B can be placed into a vacuum formation chamber, and aresin, which can be in the shape of a pill, can be placed into the divotor dimple 594 during the vacuum forming process. In certain examples,the resin can be approximately 3 mm to 5 mm in diameter, and the openingin the dimple 594 can be approximately 1 mm in size. In this way, whenthe disc 590 is heated, the resin becomes viscous so as to not flow ordrip into the disc through the opening in the dimple 594. However, theresin is permeable to air such that the air can escape the internalvolume of the disc. Once the resin cools and solidifies, it covers theopenings of the disc 590 and seals the internal volume of the disc 590to form a vacuum within the disc 590. The dimple 594 can be covered bywelding a cover over the dimple of the same material as the disc, bycapping the dimple, or otherwise covering the dimple. Again, once thedisc 590 is formed, it can be placed into a lid to provide forinsulation in the lid.

Moreover, a series of magnets 593 can be placed into the disc 590 andcan be oriented in a similar fashion as the magnets 593 discussed aboveto control and clamp the slider to the lid. In one example, the magnets593 can be placed into the disc 590 prior to vacuumization.Additionally, the magnets 593 may also be magnetized either before orafter the vacuumication process.

In certain examples, the slider can be formed as a rigid plastic such asthe materials disclosed herein. FIG. 27 shows an example slider 650 thatcan be used in conjunction with the exemplary lids discussed herein. Inthis example, the underside of the slider 650 can include a rubbermaterial along the perimeter 651 of the slider for increasing the leakresistance of the lid assembly. The rubber material may also reduce theamount of noise that occurs when the slider is opened and closed. In oneexample, the rubber material can be overmolded onto the slider 650 afterthe slider 650 is produced or can be formed from different rubbermaterials such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).Additionally, the entire slider 650 can be formed of a rubber materialsuch as silicone rubber or TPE. Moreover, the rubber can be only locatedaround the edge of the underside of the slider and can be slightlyraised to reduce the amount of friction between the slider 650 and thelid.

FIG. 28 shows another example slider 750, which is similar to theexamples discussed herein, where like reference numerals representsimilar features with similar functionality. In this example, eachsymmetrical flange, e.g., 751 of the slider 750 can include a taperedportion 771, which can taper inwardly. The tapered portion 771 can beconfigured to engage the opening for pouring liquid on the lid. Thetapered portion 771 can make the force that is required to close theslider less than the force required to open the slider such that theslider does not snap closed as forcefully and closes more easily. Thismay help to reduce the tendency of the slider 750 to splash any liquidsettled on the surface near the opening in the lid for pouring thecontents of the container. It is also contemplated that any of thesliders discussed herein may include the tapered portion for changingthe closing force and for reducing the amount of splashing on the lid.Moreover, it is also contemplated that the tapered portion 771 can beincluded on other locations on the slider 750 to decrease the closingforce of the slider 750.

FIGS. 29-32B show another example slider lid assembly 800, which issimilar to the examples discussed herein, where like reference numeralsrepresent similar features with similar functionality. The lid 810 andthe slider 850 of the lid assembly 800 can include similar features andfunctionality as the examples above and may include features from theexamples discussed herein that are not specifically discussed or shownin relation to the example lid assembly 800. However, in contrast withthe examples above, the example slider lid assembly 800, the lid 810 andslider 850 can be provided with three magnets, which in this example canbe disc magnets 872, 874A, and 874B.

As depicted in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 29, a first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 can be provided within the slider 850, and asecond clamping and positioning magnet 874A, and a third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B can be provided within the lid 810. In thisexample, the magnets 872, 874A, and 874B can maintain the slider 850onto the lid 810, and maintain the slider 850 in either the open orclosed positions during the use of the slider 850. For instance, thefirst clamping and positioning magnet 872 in the slider interacts withthe second clamping and positioning magnet 874A to maintain the lid inthe opened position; whereas the first clamping and positioning magnet872 in the slider interacts with the third clamping and positioningmagnet 874B to maintain the lid in the closed position.

FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of the lid 810 without the slider 850.As shown in FIG. 30, a magnet shroud 875 can be positioned in the top ofthe lid 810. The magnet shroud 875 may include the second clamping andpositioning magnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet874B, where the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and thethird clamping and positioning magnet 874B can be encased within themagnet shroud 875. In one example, the magnet shroud 875 can be moldedinto the lid 810 as an integral assembly.

Also as shown in FIG. 30, the lid 810 may also include a nub 829 withinthe channel 827. The nub 829 can be located on a rear wall of thechannel 827. The nub 829 provides a stop for the slider 850, such thatthe slider 850 engages the nub 829 when in the fully opened position. Inthis way, a gap can be formed between the slider 850 and the rear wallof the channel 827 and when any liquid is located in the channel 827,the gap can help to prevent displacement of liquid within the channel827. This, in turn, helps to prevent the slider movement to the openedposition from splashing the user with the liquid located in the channel827. In addition, the slider 875 can be provided with tapered ends 867A,867B, which also creates spacing between the slider 875 and the channel,thus, reducing the amount of splashing of any contents located in thechannel 827 of the lid 810. This may help especially near the opening ofthe lid, where due to the angle of the channel 827, liquid tends totravel down the slope of the channel 827 and collect near the opening812 in the lid 810. In this way, when the user closes the lid 810 withthe slider 850, the splashing of the contents near the opening of thelid 810 is reduced.

The slider 850 can generally have a similar outward appearance as theslider 450 discussed above in relation to FIGS. 20-24, but in certainexamples can be formed wider and can be formed according to the methoddiscussed below. For example, the slider 850 can be formed by a two shotover-molding process. During this process, the positioning magnet 872can be placed within a mold for forming the slider 850. During theformation of the body of the slider 850 in the mold, the slider 850 canbe formed with a cavity 865 for receiving the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872, which is shown in FIG. 31A. The cavity 865 canbe formed with a series of legs or claws 853 that are configured to holdthe first clamping and positioning magnet 872 in place during theformation of the slider 850.

In one exemplary process, the legs or claws 853 can be formed around thefirst clamping and positioning magnet 872 to hold the first clamping andpositioning magnet into place during the formation of the slider and, inparticular, during the application of the second shot of materialforming the slider 850. The legs or claws 853 can be positioned in theslider 850 in a circular arrangement, where there are eight clawsholding the magnet 872 in place. In other examples, there can be more orfewer numbers of legs or claws to hold the magnet 872 into place. In oneexample, a circumference of the opening defined by the legs or claws 853can be slightly smaller than the circumference of the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872, such that the first clamping and positioningmagnet 872 is held into place by way of a friction fit.

It is also contemplated that the claws can be omitted entirely, and acircular opening can be formed in the slider prior to the placement ofthe first clamping and positioning magnet. In this example, the circularopening can be configured to receive the first clamping and positioningmagnet 872 therein. In this way, the opening could be sized slightlysmaller than the first clamping and positioning magnet 872 such that aninterference fit is formed between the opening and the first clampingand positioning magnet 872 to hold the first clamping and positioningmagnet 872 in place while the remainder of the slider 850 is formed.

FIG. 31B illustrates an exemplary technique for forming the slider 850.The first clamping and positioning magnet 872 can be placed into a moldfor forming the body of the slider 850. In one example, a robot canplace the magnet 872 into the mold. Once the magnet 872 is placed withinthe mold, the slider body 850A can be injected molded by a first shot ofmaterial such that a cavity or opening 865 is formed therein around themagnet 872. In addition, during the formation of the first shot ofmaterial, the legs or claws 853 can also be formed around the magnet tohold the magnet 872 into place while the second shot of material 853 isadded. The second shot of material 853 can be added to cover the firstclamping and positioning magnet 872 and to seal the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 into place within the slider 850. Once the firstclamping and positioning magnet 872 is sealed within the slider, it canthen be magnetized in a suitable operation.

In an alternative example, the first clamping and positioning magnet 872can be placed into the slider 850 after the first shot forming theslider body is cured. In this example, the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 can be placed into the opening formed by the legsor claws 853. The legs or claws 853 can flex outwardly to receive thefirst clamping and positioning magnet 872, and the internal flexibilityof the legs or claws 853 can maintain the first clamping and positioningmagnet 872 in position within the slider 850. In this way, the legs orclaws 853 can form an interference fit with the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 to maintain the first clamping and positioningmagnet 872 in place during the formation of the slider 850. Again, inthis example, the first clamping and positioning magnet 872 can beplaced into the cavity 865 by a robot. Once the first clamping andpositioning magnet is held into place by the legs or claws, the secondshot of material can be added.

In another example, the first clamping and positioning magnet 872 can bein-molded into the slider 850. For example, the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 could be placed in a mold and a single shot ofinjection molded material could encase the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872. After this step, the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 could then be magnetized.

In other examples, the first clamping and positioning magnet 872 couldbe secured by an adhesive or a suitable mechanical fastener connection,such as a thread, bayonet, ball and socket, or an interference-fit typeof connection. With any of the methods for securing the first clampingand positioning magnet 872, it is contemplated that the first clampingand positioning magnet 872 could be pre-magnetized or magnetized afterbeing secured to the slider 850. Moreover, it is contemplated that thefirst clamping and positioning magnet can be magnetized prior to theinjection molding process or after the injection molding process withrespect to any of the formation processes discussed herein.

FIGS. 32A and 32B show an exemplary lid 810 during formation. In certainexamples, the lid 810 may be formed mostly of a clear polymericmaterial, including, among others, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene,polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon,polycarbonate or acrylic, or combinations thereof. In one example, themagnet shroud 875 can be formed of a black polymeric material, such asthe materials discussed herein, among others. In certain examples, thelid 810 can be injection molded with several shots of material, which inone example can be two shots of material. For example, the lid body 810Acan be formed of a first shot of material, and the magnet shroud 875 canbe formed of a second shot of material.

FIG. 32A shows a partial bottom view of the lid body 810A. Similar tothe slider 850 the lid body 810 can be formed with a cavity 811 forreceiving the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the thirdclamping and positioning magnet 874B. The cavity 811 may also include aseries of legs or claws 853 that are configured to hold the secondclamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B in position during the formation of the lid 810.The legs or claws 813 can be positioned in the lid body 810A in acircular arrangement to provide a location for the second clamping andpositioning magnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet874B where there are four claws 813 holding each of the second clampingand positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping and positioningmagnet 874B magnet in place. In another example, there may only be twoclaws holding each magnet in place. In other examples, there can be moreor fewer numbers of legs or claws to hold each magnet into place.

The legs or claws may also each be provided with a lip 813A. The lips813A provide additional retention support for maintaining the secondclamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B in place during formation of the lid 810. Incertain examples, the circumference of the openings provided by the legsor claws 813 can be slightly smaller than the circumference of thesecond clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B to hold the second clamping and positioningmagnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B in placeduring the formation of the lid. The second clamping and positioningmagnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B can beheld into place in the openings formed by the legs or claws 813.Additionally or alternatively, the legs or claws 813 can form aninterference fit with the second clamping and positioning magnet 874Aand the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B to maintain secondclamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B in place during the formation of the lid 810.

FIG. 32A1 shows another partially formed lid example. In this example,instead of utilizing four claws to retain each magnet in place on thelid body 810A, the partially formed lid two posts or legs 913A can beformed adjacent to each magnet 974A, 974B. The posts 913A help to retaineach of the magnets 974A, 974B in place during the formation of the lidand specifically when the second shot of material is applied to coverthe magnets and form the magnetic shroud 875. In other examples, therecan be more or fewer numbers of posts or legs to hold each magnet intoplace.

As shown in FIG. 32B, during the formation of the lid 810, the secondclamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B can be positioned in the mold forming the lid.In one example, the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and thethird clamping and positioning magnet 874B can be placed into a mold bya robotic arm. A first shot of material can then be injection moldedaround the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the thirdclamping and positioning magnet 874B. The first shot of material caninclude the lid body 810A. Referring back to FIGS. 32A and 32A1, theunderside of the lid body may be formed with legs or claws 813, 913 formaintaining the magnets 874A, 874B, 974A, 974B in position while themagnet shroud 875 is formed around each of the magnets.

In one example, a vacuum can be applied to the openings 891 in thesuction device 879 through the separate openings 881 to hold the secondclamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B in place on the suction device 879 while beingplaced into a mold forming the lid body 810A. The application of avacuum to the suction device 879 ensures that the second clamping andpositioning magnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet874B are inserted in the correct position on the lid. Other examples forapplying the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the thirdclamping and positioning magnet 874B to the lid are also contemplated.

After the first shot of material is complete, a second shot of materialcan be applied to the lid 810. In one example, a core insert 877, shownin FIG. 32C, can be used to control the second shot of material formingthe magnet shroud 875. The second shot of material that forms the magnetshroud 875 can completely enclose the second clamping and positioningmagnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B. In thisway, the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the thirdclamping and positioning magnet 874B are not exposed to liquids or theuser. The shroud 875 also hides the second clamping and positioningmagnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B to givethe lid 810 a cleaner and better appearance. After the lid 810 isformed, the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the thirdclamping and positioning magnet 874B can be magnetized after the moldingprocess.

In other examples, the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A andthe third clamping and positioning magnet 874B can be placed into thelid 810 after the lid is formed. In placing the second clamping andpositioning magnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet874B into the lid, the legs or claws can flex outwardly to receive thesecond clamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B over their respective lips 813A, and theinternal flexibility of the legs or claws 813 can maintain the secondclamping and positioning magnet 874A and the third clamping andpositioning magnet 874B in position in the lid body 810A during theformation of the lid 810. This same technique could be employed with theexample discussed in relation to FIG. 32A1.

In this alternate example, after the second clamping and positioningmagnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B areinserted into the openings formed by the legs 813 in the lid body, themagnet shroud 875 can then be formed by a second shot of material. Inone example, the second shot of material can be formed of a blackpolymeric material, such as the materials discussed herein, amongothers, to conceal the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A andthe third clamping positioning magnet 874B.

It is also contemplated that in other examples, the second clamping andpositioning magnet 874A and the third clamping and positioning magnet874B could be secured to the lid body 810A by an adhesive or a suitablemechanical fastener connection, such as a thread, bayonet, ball andsocket, or an interference-fit type of connection. With any of themethods for securing the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A andthe third clamping and positioning magnet 874B to the lid body 810A, itis contemplated that the first clamping and positioning magnet 872 couldbe pre-magnetized or magnetized after being secured to the slider 850.

Lid 810 and slider 850 may operate similar to the examples discussedherein above. During the operation of the slider 850, the first clampingand positioning magnet 872 can interact with either the second clampingand positioning magnet 874A or the third clamping and positioning magnet874B. In the opened position, the first clamping and positioning magnet872 interacts with the second clamping and positioning magnet 874A. Theattraction of the first clamping and positioning magnet 872 to thesecond clamping and positioning magnet 874A holds or locks the slider inthe opened position such that the slider uncovers the opening 812 forliquid in the lid 850. In the closed position, the first clamping andpositioning magnet 872 interacts with the third clamping and positioningmagnet 874B. The attraction of first clamping and positioning magnet 872to the third clamping and positioning magnet 874B locks or holds theslider 850 in the closed position such that the slider 850 is positionedover the opening 812 and seals the opening of the lid 850. This helps toprevent liquid from exiting the opening.

Additionally, referring again to FIG. 29, when in the closed position,the axes A₁, A₂, and A₃ of magnet 872 in the slider 850 and magnets 874Bin the lid can be arranged slightly out of alignment with each other.This creates a stronger pulling force on the slider 850 such that it ismaintained in the closed position during the use of the lid 810. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 29, the axis A₁ of magnet 872 is arrangedslightly out of alignment with axis A₂ of magnet 874B. Additionally,although not shown, the axis A₁ of the magnet 872 in the slider 850 andthe axis A₃ of the magnet 874A can be arranged slightly out of alignmentwith each other to create a pulling force on the slider 850, thusmaintaining the slider 850 in the opened position during the use of thelid 810.

Also the clamp force between the slider and the lid can be sufficient towithstand force from the pressure of a filled container being turnedupside down. In this way, the slider 850 will remain in the closedposition while the pressure from the liquid acts on the flange 851 a orthe flange 851 b through the opening of the lid 810. In one specificexample, the force produced by the interaction of the magnets can be ator between 0.25 to 2.0 lbs. Additionally, the clamping force can beconfigured such that the slider 850 will eventually open to vent in thecase of a hot and/or pressurized liquid. This may be desirable asopposed to a fully sealed non-venting/leaking lid or a press-fit lid ona container, because the press-fit lid may come off of the containercompletely when encountering a highly pressurized liquid. In certainexamples, the clamping force on the lid provided by the magnets can beformed less than the holding force of the gasket between the lid and thecontainer. For example, the lid 810 can be held onto the container by afirst force and the slider 850 can be held onto the lid by a secondforce, and the first force can be greater than the second force suchthat the slider will release from the lid prior to the lid releasingfrom the container. In this way, the clamping force provided by themagnets can be less than the holding force of the gasket between the lidand the container such that the slider will vent prior to the gasket,thus, preventing the container from rapidly spilling.

The user may also be able to remove the slider 850 from the lid 850 whendesired for cleaning purposes or when the slider is not desired duringthe use of the lid 800. Like in the above examples, the slider 850 canbe symmetric such that the slider 850 may be placed onto the lid 850 inany orientation.

Additionally, in certain examples, the surface roughness of the area ofthe lid that interacts with the slider 850 can be adjusted depending onthe desired amount of feedback for the user. For example, the surfaceroughness of the area of the lid that interacts with the slider 850 maybe reduced to allow the user to easily manipulate the slider 850 fromthe closed position to the opened position and from the opened positionto the closed position during the use of the product.

An exemplary lid assembly may include a rim for engaging an opening of acontainer. The rim can define a top wall and a lid tab extending fromthe top wall. The exemplary lid can include a side wall defining agroove for placement of a gasket, and a middle wall extending below therim. The middle wall can define a recess. The recess can have a firstopening, a second opening, at least one detent, and at least one airvent. Additionally, a first guide and a second guide can extend from thesecond opening.

The exemplary lid may also include a slider configured to selectivelyprovide a closed position by covering both the first opening and thesecond opening and an opened position by only covering the secondopening. The slider may include a slider tab, an elastic first leg, anelastic second leg, a central post, and at least one slider recess forreceiving the at least one detent of the middle wall. The first leg andthe second leg can be configured to extend through the central openingand can be configured to resiliently engage the first guide and thesecond guide. Moreover, the at least one detent can be configured toextend into the slider recess to maintain the slider in the closedposition or the opened position.

The slider can also include a channel, and the channel can be configuredto align with the at least one air vent when the slider is in the openposition. The slider may also include a first side wall and a secondside wall. The first side wall can at least partially define thechannel. The second side wall can at least partially define a secondchannel, and the first channel can be configured to align with the atleast one air vent. The second channel can be configured to align with asecond air vent on the middle wall recess when the slider is in theopened position. Moreover, the first channel and the second channel canbe additionally formed in a bottom surface of the slider.

The first leg and the second leg can each comprise a first portion and asecond portion, and the second portion can be formed thicker than thefirst portion. The first leg may define a first ridge, and the secondleg may define a second ridge. The first ridge can be configured toengage the first guide and the second ridge can be configured to engagethe second guide. The central post can be tapered and can diverge from abottom surface of the tab, and the central post can limit inwardmovement of the elastic first leg and the elastic second leg. The firstleg and the second leg can be tapered to permit the legs to flex inwardas the slider is placed into the central opening. The slider may includetwo degrees of symmetry so that the slider can be placed onto the lidassembly in different orientations.

In another example a container assembly can include a container and alid having a wall defining a recess. The recess can include an openingfor receiving liquid from the container. The container assembly may alsoinclude a slider having a handle. The slider can be configured to slidein the recess and can be configured to move between a closed positionwhere the slider covers the opening to aid in preventing spilling ofcontents of the container and an opened position where the slideruncovers the opening such that the contents of the container can beconsumed. The slider is configured to lock into place on the lid and canbe configured to be removable from the lid. Additionally, the slider canbe configured to lock into place on the recess in both the closedposition and the opened position. In one example, the container can beformed of stainless steel.

The lid can include a rim for engaging an opening of the container, therim may define a top wall and a lid tab extending from the top wall. Therecess of the lid can also include a second opening for receiving theslider therein, and a first guide and a second guide can extend from thesecond opening.

Furthermore, the slider may include a slider recess for receiving the atleast one detent. The at least one detent can be configured to extendinto the slider recess to maintain the slider in the closed position orthe open position. The slider may also include an elastic first leg, anelastic second leg, and a central post. The first leg and the second legcan be configured to extend through the second opening and toresiliently engage the first guide and the second guide. The first legcan define a first ridge, and the second leg can define a second ridge.The first ridge can be configured to engage the first guide, and thesecond ridge can be configured to engage the second guide. The first legand the second leg can be tapered to permit the legs to flex inward asthe slider is placed into the central opening. The central post canlimit inward movement of the elastic first leg and the elastic secondleg. The slider may include a channel, and the channel can be configuredto align with an air vent when the slider is in the open position.Additionally, the slider can include two degrees of symmetry such thatthe slider can be placed on the lid in different orientations.

In another example, a lid assembly may include a rim for engaging anopening of a container, the rim defining a top wall, a side walldefining a groove for placement of a gasket. The lid assembly may alsoinclude a slider which may have a slider tab, a first clamping magnet,and a first positioning magnet and may include a middle wall extendingbelow the rim. The middle wall may have a first opening and at least oneair vent, a second clamping magnet, a second positioning magnet, and athird positioning magnet. The slider can be configured to selectivelyprovide a closed position by covering the first opening and an openedposition by uncovering the first opening and the at least one air vent.The first clamping magnet on the slider can be configured to interactwith the second clamping magnet on the middle wall to maintain theslider on the lid and the first positioning magnet can be configured tointeract with the second positioning magnet to maintain the slider inthe closed position, and the first positioning magnet can be configuredto interact with the third positioning magnet to maintain the slider inthe opened position.

The slider can also include a channel and the channel can be configuredto align with the at least one air vent when the slider is in the openposition. The slider may also include a first side wall and a secondside wall, and the first side wall can at least partially define thechannel, and the second side wall can at least partially define a secondchannel. The first channel can be configured to align with the at leastone air vent. The second channel can be configured to align with asecond air vent on the middle wall when the slider is in the openedposition. The first channel and the second channel can be additionallyformed in a bottom surface of the slider. The slider can further includea fourth positioning magnet and the fourth positioning magnet can beconfigured to interact with the second positioning magnet to maintainthe slider in the closed position, and the fourth positioning magnet canbe configured to interact with the third positioning magnet to maintainthe slider in the opened position. The middle wall can further comprisea channel configured to receive the slider. Alternatively, the middlewall can include a first guide magnet and a second guide magnet, and thefirst guide magnet and the second guide magnet can maintain the slideron the lid in the lateral direction. The slider can have a degree ofsymmetry such that the slider can be placed onto the lid assembly indifferent orientations.

The lid may further include a limiting magnet, and the limiting magnetcan be configured to repel or attract the slider to prevent the sliderfrom moving beyond the opened position on the lid. The lid can furtherinclude an insulating disc, and the insulating disc can be vacuumformed. The insulating disc may include the second clamping magnet, thesecond positioning magnet, and the third positioning magnet. When theslider moves to either the opened position or the closed position theinteraction of the slider and the lid can produce a sound indicating tothe user that the slider is in either the open position or the closedposition.

In another example, a container assembly may include a container, a lidhaving an opening for receiving liquid from the container, a sliderhaving a handle, and the slider can be configured to slide along thelid. The slider can be configured to move between a closed positionwhere the slider covers the opening to aid in preventing spilling ofcontents of the container and an opened position where the slideruncovers the opening such that the contents of the container can beconsumed. The slider can be configured to lock into place on the recessin both the closed position and the opened position, and the slider canbe configured to be secured on the lid and can be configured to beremovable from the lid. The slider can include a first clamping magnet,and a first positioning magnet and the lid may also include a secondclamping magnet, a second positioning magnet, and a third positioningmagnet. The first clamping magnet on the slider may be configured tointeract with the second clamping magnet on the lid to maintain theslider on the lid. The first positioning magnet can be configured tointeract with the second positioning magnet to maintain the slider inthe closed position, and the first positioning magnet can be configuredto interact with the third positioning magnet to maintain the slider inthe opened position.

The slider may also include a fourth positioning magnet and the fourthpositioning magnet can be configured to interact with the secondpositioning magnet to maintain the slider in the closed position, andthe fourth positioning magnet can be configured to interact with thethird positioning magnet to maintain the slider in the opened position.

The slider may also include a channel, and the channel can be configuredto align with at least one air vent on the lid when the slider is in theopen position. The lid may also include a channel configured to receivethe slider. Alternatively, the lid can include a first guide magnet anda second guide magnet and the first guide magnet and the second guidemagnet can maintain the slider on the lid in the lateral direction. Theslider can include a degree of symmetry such that the slider can beplaced onto the lid assembly in different orientations. The lid canfurther include a limiting magnet, and the limiting magnet can beconfigured to repel or attract the slider to prevent the slider frommoving beyond the opened position on the lid. The lid may also includean insulating disc, and the insulating disc can be vacuum formed. Theinsulating disc may include the second clamping magnet, the secondpositioning magnet, and the third positioning magnet.

In another example, a method of forming a lid assembly can include oneor more of: injection molding a lid body of a first shot of material,injection molding a first plate portion of a second shot of materialonto the lid body, injection molding a second plate portion of a thirdshot of material onto the lid body, and injection molding a seal portionwith a third shot of material to seal the first plate portion and thesecond plate portion to the lid body. The method may further includein-molding a magnet assembly into the second plate portion. A channelcan be formed between the first plate portion and the second plateportion and the second shot of material can be combined with the thirdshot of material. The method may also include trapping a pocket of airbetween the lid body and both the first plate portion and the secondplate portion.

In another example, a container assembly may include a container, a lidhaving an opening for receiving liquid from the container, and a sliderhaving a handle. The slider can be configured to slide along the lid,and the slider can be configured to move between a closed position wherethe slider covers the opening to aid in preventing spilling of contentsof the container and an opened position where the slider uncovers theopening such that the contents of the container can be consumed. Theslider can be configured to lock into place in both the closed positionand the opened position, and the slider can be configured to be securedon the lid. The slider may also be configured to be removable from thelid.

In one example, the slider and the lid may include a series of magnetsfor locking the slider in both the closed position and in the openedposition. The series of magnets may also help to maintain the slider onthe lid. The series of magnets may include a first clamping andpositioning magnet, a second clamping and positioning magnet, a thirdclamping and positioning magnet. The first clamping and positioningmagnet can be configured to interact with the second clamping andpositioning magnet to maintain the slider in an opened position and thefirst clamping and positioning magnet can be configured to interact withthe third clamping and positioning magnet to maintain the slider in aclosed position. The first clamping and positioning magnet can belocated on the slider, and the second clamping and positioning magnetand the third clamping and positioning magnet can both be located on thelid. A magnet shroud can hold the second clamping and positioning magnetand the third clamping and positioning magnet. The magnet shroud mayalso be placed in the lid.

In certain example, the slider may include a channel, and the channelmay be configured to align with at least one air vent on the lid whenthe slider is in the open position. The lid may also include a channelconfigured to receive the slider and the channel may limit lateralmovement of the slider. The channel may define a nub configured to forma gap between the slider and a rear wall of the channel when the slideris in the opened position such that the gap helps to preventdisplacement of liquid in the channel. Additionally, the slider may betapered at each end to provide for areas between each end of the sliderand the channel, which can help to prevent displacement of liquid in thechannel.

The slider may include a degree of symmetry such that the slider can beplaced onto the lid in different orientations. Additionally the lid canbe held onto the container by a first force and the slider can be heldonto the lid by a second force, and the first force can be greater thanthe second force such that the slider will release from the lid prior tothe lid releasing from the container. The lid may also include aninsulating disc.

In another example, a lid assembly may include a lid having an openingconfigured to receiving liquid from a container, and a slider having ahandle. The slider can be configured to slide along the lid. The slidermay be configured to move between a closed position where the slidercovers the opening to aid in preventing spilling of contents of thecontainer and an opened position where the slider uncovers the openingsuch that the contents of the container can be consumed. The slider canbe configured to lock into place in both the closed position and theopened position. The slider may be configured to be secured on the lidand can be configured to be removable from the lid.

The slider and the lid may include a series of magnets for locking theslider in both the closed position and in the opened position and formaintaining the slider on the lid. The series of magnets can include afirst clamping and positioning magnet, a second clamping and positioningmagnet, a third clamping and positioning magnet. The first clamping andpositioning magnet can be configured to interact with the secondclamping and positioning magnet to maintain the slider in an openedposition and the first clamping and positioning magnet can be configuredto interact with the third clamping and positioning magnet to maintainthe slider in a closed position. The first clamping and positioningmagnet can be located on the slider, and the second clamping andpositioning magnet and the third clamping and positioning magnet can belocated on the lid.

The first clamping and positioning magnet can define a first axis, andthe second clamping and positioning magnet can define a second axis andwhen the slider is in the open position, the first axis and the secondaxis are unaligned with each other. The third clamping and positioningmagnet can define a third axis and when the slider is in the closedposition, the first axis and the second axis can be unaligned with eachother.

A magnet shroud may be included for receiving the second clamping andpositioning magnet and the third clamping and positioning magnet, andthe magnet shroud can be placed in the lid. The lid may include achannel configured to receive the slider and wherein the channel limitslateral movement of the slider. The slider may include a degree ofsymmetry such that the slider can be placed onto the lid in differentorientations. The lid may also include an insulating disc.

In another example, a method of forming a lid assembly may includeinjection molding a slider with a first slider shot of material andforming the first slider shot of material with an opening, placing afirst magnet into the opening and injection molding a second slider shotof material over the first magnet. The method of forming a lid assemblymay also include injection molding a lid of a first lid shot of materialaround a second magnet and injection molding a second lid shot ofmaterial around the second magnet to form a magnet shroud. The methodmay include providing the lid with an opening and configuring the sliderto selectively lock in a closed position where the slider covers theopening and to selectively lock in an opened position where the slideruncovers the opening. The method may also include injection molding thefirst lid shot of material around a third magnet and injection moldingthe second lid shot of material around the third magnet. Also the firstlid shot of material may be a clear polymeric material.

Another exemplary method of forming a lid assembly may include injectionmolding a slider with a first slider shot of material and forming thefirst slider shot of material with an opening, placing a first magnetinto the opening and injection molding a second slider shot of materialover the first magnet. The method may also include injection molding alid of a first lid shot of material to form a lid body and placing asecond magnet in the lid body formed by the first lid shot of materialand injection molding a second lid shot of material around the secondmagnet to form a magnet shroud. The example method may also includeproviding the lid with an opening and configuring the slider toselectively lock in a closed position where the slider covers theopening and to selectively lock in an opened position where the slideruncovers the opening. The method may also include placing a third magnetinto the lid body and injection molding the second lid shot of materialaround the third magnet. Also the first lid shot of material may includea first polymeric material and the second shot of material may include asecond polymeric material.

The present disclosure is disclosed above and in the accompanyingdrawings with reference to a variety of examples. The purpose served bythe disclosure, however, is to provide examples of the various featuresand concepts related to the invention, not to limit the scope of theinvention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that numerousvariations and modifications may be made to the examples described abovewithout departing from the scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of forming a lid assembly comprising:injection molding a slider with a first slider shot of material andforming the first slider shot of material with an opening for receivinga first magnet into the opening and injection molding a second slidershot of material over the first magnet; injection molding a lid of afirst lid shot of material to form a lid body and forming an opening forreceiving a second magnet in the lid body formed by the first lid shotof material and injection molding a second lid shot of material aroundthe second magnet to form a magnet shroud; providing the lid with anopening and configuring the slider to selectively lock in an closedposition where the slider covers the opening and to selectively lock inan opened position where the slider uncovers the opening.
 2. The methodof claim 1 further comprising placing a third magnet into a mold formingthe lid body and injection molding the second lid shot of materialaround the third magnet.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first lidshot of material includes a first polymeric material and the second shotof material includes a second polymeric material.
 4. A method of forminga lid assembly comprising: injection molding a lid body of a first shotof material; injection molding a first plate portion of a second shot ofmaterial onto the lid body; injection molding a second plate portion ofa third shot of material onto the lid body; injection molding a sealportion with a fourth shot of material to seal the first plate portionand the second plate portion to the lid body.
 5. The method of claim 4further comprising in-molding a magnet assembly into the second plateportion.
 6. The method of claim 4 wherein a channel is formed betweenthe first plate portion and the second plate portion and wherein thesecond shot of material is combined with the third shot of material. 7.The method of claim 4 further comprising trapping a pocket of airbetween the lid body and both the first plate portion and the secondplate portion.